Portable learning

Five great apps for learning a foreign language

Here's a look at five of the best mobile apps for learning a foreign language. Photo: Shutterstock

Published on Sunday, 31 January, 2016 at 08:33

(AFP) In addition to being useful when travelling, learning a foreign
language has been associated in several studies with helping boost
cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia.

Mobile apps can be a
great solution for mastering a new tongue or brushing up on school-day
skills because they're portable, convenient and relatively low cost.

Here's a look at five of the best mobile apps for learning a foreign
language.

Babbel

With 13 foreign languages available,
the Babbel app offers a comprehensive learning system. It has functions
to help learners improve their pronunciation and build vocabulary
quickly through fun lessons. The app is free to download but language
courses are paid for by subscription for one to 12 months, priced from 9.99 euros to 59.99 euros.

Duolingo

This entirely free app can help total
beginners (including schoolchildren) and more advanced learners get to
grips with 26 languages, including classic options like French and
German, as well as more unusual choices such as Norwegian, Swahili and
Klingon.

Over time, users can progress to higher levels or choose to
specialize in a specific field (business, medical, etc.). It's even
possible to compete with friends also signed up to the platform.

Memrise

Memrise helps users learn a maximum
number of words, including in Luxembourgish, in a short space of time using visual learning
techniques and memory games. A Premium subscription offers access to a
wide choice of extra games, with prices ranging from 8.99 euros for one month to 59.99 euros for the year.

MosaLingua

MosaLingua offers a choice of five
languages (German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese) with different
levels available. The app focuses on long-lasting memorization, using
techniques based on cognitive and psychological concepts to tap into the
learner's audio and visual memory. Most of the apps are priced at €4.99
(or $4.99) with add-on vocab packs available for in-app purchase.All of the apps are available for iOS and Android.Head to the MosaLingua website to see the choice of languages and levels.

Busuu

Busuu (which takes its name from a
Cameroonian dialect) offers an original way to brush up on 12 languages.

The platform is like a social network for language learners, where
users can follow interactive lessons and connect with native speakers
all over the world to practise their skills. Access is
subscription-based, with prices ranging from 9.99 euros for one
month to 64.99 euros for 12 months. Busuu has over 50 million
users worldwide.

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